Eagletarian Blog

I never thought the Eagles were going to let Cullen Jenkins go, and sure enough, the team announced today a restructuring of Jenkins' contract that will keep Jenkins here through 2012, at least.

Even though Jenkins is 31 and might not be a long-term starter, his return, along with the return from injury of Antonio Dixon, might mean the Eagles don't target a defensive tackle with the 15th overall selection in the April entry draft. If they re-sign pending free agent Derek Landri, that will become even less likely.

Last week, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock identified d-tackle as the deepest position at the top of this draft. There's a good chance a solid one will still be there if the Birds choose to use one of their two second-round picks at that spot. The Eagles have other pressing needs, such as linebacker, and wideout, if they don't franchise and keep DeSean Jackson.

Attempts to contact Jenkins' agent, Cary Fabrikant, about the restructuring have so far been unsuccessful. Jenkins' deal was announced as five years last summer, but given the $7.5 million cap number included for this season, it seems it was intended for either release or restructuring after 2011 all along. The team's release confirming the restructuring gave no details.

There had been speculation in Green Bay that the Packers might have been interested in bringing Jenkins back to the place where he played his first seven NFL seasons, if the Eagles didn't retain him.